College planning tools & resources

PLANNING FOR COLLEGE

College admissions toolkit

College planning tools & resources

PLANNING FOR COLLEGE

Finding colleges that fit

TIP

Organize the clutter. The paper load will grow senior year. Organize applications materials, deadlines, and financial aid forms in 7- to 12-pocket file folders. Use one folder for application info and a second folder for financial aid deadlines and forms.

It's about YOU!

Finding the right college means searching for a program that meets your needs academically, socially, and financially. Avoid applying to a certain college or program just because you've heard the name or because "everyone else is." This is about you; it's your search. There are likely to be several colleges that fit your "must haves." GIve some thought to the following:

Type of college

Do I want a two-year college, a four-year college or university, or a technical/ vocational program? Coed or single gender? Religious affiliation?

One- and two-year schools may offer a general education or specialized job-training program. Four-year programs include general education requirements in addition to major coursework.

Major/academic program

What do I want to learn? What field of study interests me? A college "major" is a particular subject--such as education, engineering, or history-- in which a student concentrates his or her studies. Other options include internships, study abroad, and opportunities for interdisciplinary and self-designed majors.

Size

What size student body, campus, and classes are right for me? Smaller colleges may mean you might get to know most of the students; larger schools may have more academic and extracurricular activities. Do you want individual attention? Regular access to faculty? Check the faculty-student ratio. Do you prefer a large lecture auditorium or small group discussions? Keep in mind that class sizes typically get smaller as you move further along in your major.

Selectivity

How do I compare academically to accepted students? Wha are my chances of getting in?

A school's selectivity may be based on the average GPA (grade point average), class rank, and SAT/ACT scores of admitted students, as well as the percentage of applicants accepted. Refer to each college's Web site or catalog for its specific admissions requirements.

Location

Do I want to stay close to home or go farther away? City, rural, or suburban? Choose a location and community that appeals to you.

TIP

Lower your costs. Applying to schools at which you're near the top of the applicant pool academically may qualify you for more merit-based financial aid from the college.

And by taking your general education coursework at a community college and then transferring to a four-year program to focus on your major, you may be able to cut your college costs.

Campus atmosphere, student life, and diversity

What type of "personality" does the campus have? How do students spend their time? How diverse is the student body? What opportunities and activities are available?

Every campus has a different "feel," which you can best get a sense of by visiting the campus and talking with students. Also look at the school newspaper, talk with faculty and staff, and check out campus activities, housing, and food. Do students stay on campus on the weekends? How much time do they spend on academics each day/ week? Are there support services available? Look for campus activities and volunteer opportunities that interest you. Consider the students on campus (where they are from, what background they have), too. Go with your gut feeling: Can you imagine yourself as a student there?

Cost and affordability

What is the cost of attending college, and what type of financial aid is available? Total costs cover tuition, room and board, fees, books, and personal expenses. Cost is a major concern for most families, so have that discussion early on. Don't rule out a college because it seems too expensive; what you actually pay may be well below the "sticker price." Use to start building your college list.You'll find info on tuition and fees, housing, admission, graduation rates, campus safety, and more. Apply to colleges in different price ranges, and check with VSAC and college financial aid offices about your options.

Start your search

Using the College Scorecard at , you can search by type of degree you want, tuition, by field of study, and more. Another useful search tool is the College Board's Big Future at .

Use the chart on the next page to compare the colleges on your wish list.

Factors Major/academic program Selectivity

My "wish list"

good science program possible bio major my GPA = 3.2 so far

college name

college name

Type of college Size Location

4 year? (maybe 2-year and transfer?) some big classes OK, want lots of options near a small city

Campus atmosphere, student life, and diversity

Cost and affordability

outdoorsy, eco-club, friendly, ultimate frisbee need to talk to parents! find job this summer

College comparison chart

Factors to consider

Type (technical, two-year, college, university)

Major/academic program

my factor rank (1?12)

my wish list of college characteristics

Size of school

Location (setting/ surroundings) Selectivity

Academic atmosphere

Student life/activities

Diversity of student population

Housing

Facilities (library, theater, cafeteria, sports) Cost (college budget) and affordability

Other

PLANNING FOR COLLEGE

As you investigate colleges, use this worksheet to keep track of schools in which you're most interested and to compare them to your wish list of ideal characteristics. In the second column, list all 12 factors in order of importance to you--1 for most important, 12 for least important.

college name

college name

college name

PLANNING FOR COLLEGE

Making the most of college visits

TIP

Many schools no longer plan interviews, though they'll answer your questions on the phone. Ask admissions for the name of a school representative in your area. These are often graduates of the college who volunteer to talk with prospective students and their families and answer questions. And don't be afraid to offer information about your strengths that will help your interviewer know you better.

While a virtual tour is a great way to begin the college search, there's a difference between how a campus looks and feels in real life versus how it appears in a brochure or on the web. By visiting in person, you can:

? get a feel for that school's distinct vibe, and a first-hand look at college facilities ? talk with professors and students face to face ? view the surrounding area

Of course, in a pre-pandemic world, it was best to visit a campus, but the reality is that students will have to check with each college they want to visit to find out what the individual institution is recommending; and for those travelling from a distance, check each state's travel advisories before planning a trip as well as before heading out.

When to go

Your goal is to meet students and faculty, so plan to visit when the college is in session. Spring of junior year and late summer (after college classes resume) or early September of your senior year are great times to visit.

Arranging the visit

If you can visit in person, schedule your visit online or by phone ahead of time. Try to be on campus during the week so you can see college life in action.

? Sign up for a tour and an info session, arrange to sit in on a class, and set up meetings with faculty or coaches if desired. Will the college provide overnight accommodations or a meal?

? For questions about college financing, make an appointment with the financial aid office. ? Talking with the admissions office can show the college that you're interested in the

school and can give you insight on campus life. If a school you're considering still holds admissions interviews, think of it as a conversation--an opportunity for you to get an inside look at the college and for the admissions folks to know more about you. Prepare questions ahead of time. Then relax and be yourself!

Once you're on campus

? Take a student-led tour. Ask guides what they like and dislike about the college. ? Talk to students and faculty members. Chat with students you meet, admissions and

financial aid staff, and faculty and coaches. Find out all you can! ? Walk around by yourself to get a feel for the campus, taking in the surroundings and

student vibe. Do you like the buildings and the campus layout? Think about what the campus will be like in different seasons. Can you picture yourself there for four years? ? Inquire about the social scene. Do students stay on campus or go away on weekends? How much of a role does Greek life (sororities and fraternities) play on campus? ? Check out the nearest town. Can you walk there? What transportation is available? Where are the closest parks, grocery stores, coffee houses, restaurants, or malls? Do you like the area? Will you be able to continue to do the activities you enjoy?

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